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Irish Bread Pudding With Caramel Whiskey Sauce

March 7th, 2010 in eat, drink, be merry, green monday by Stephanie Andrews

With Saint Patrick’s Day a little over a week away, we’re heading straight to dessert! Don’t worry, we’ll have some traditional main course recipes for you later in the week. This Green Monday we’re sharing a time-honored Irish favorite from L.A. based chef Geri Gilliland, Irish Bread Pudding With Caramel Whiskey Sauce.

To be honest, St. Patty’s Day never really meant a whole lot to me prior to meeting Pam. It really just meant bad Irish accents on the radio and cheap green beer. But that all changed after trying the first bite of this Bread Pudding, a dish she makes every year at her annual St. Patrick’s Day party. The first time I attended she said a few words to me that I will pass on to the wht readers, “This is going to be one of the most delicious things you will ever eat.” No truer words have ever been spoken! It’s creamy, warm, sweet yet savory and insanely good.

If you ever find yourself in Santa Monica, you can stop by Finn McCool’s Irish Pub to try Gilliland’s Irish Bread Pudding first hand. Even better, Gilliland shared the recipe with the Los Angeles Times and just like Pam, you can make this incredible dessert at home to celebrate St. Patty’s Day (or any time you need a little luck of the Irish).

Gilliland’s Irish Bread Pudding With Caramel Whiskey Sauce
Image: Los Angeles Times

Pudding
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 12 (1/2-inch thick) white bread slices, crust removed
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup Irish whiskey, optional
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, slit lengthwise
• 8 eggs
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

–Soak raisins in Irish whiskey (if using whiskey, which you should!)
–Brush butter over bread and toast lightly on 1 side. Cube and set aside.
–Combine milk and cream in saucepan. Scoop black seeds from vanilla bean into milk and cream and add pod. Heat, remove pod and allow mixture to cool.
–Beat eggs with 1-cup sugar and add milk mixture. Stir in bread cubes and raisins, and allow to stand 15 minutes.
–Pour bread mixture into buttered glass baking dish. Dot with additional butter. Mix together remaining 1-tablespoon sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over to taste. Bake at 350 degrees until set, about 1 hour.
–Serve with Caramel Irish Whiskey Sauce, fresh fruit or as is.

Caramel Irish Whiskey Sauce
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, plus more if needed
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup Irish Whiskey

– Melt sugar in water over low heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Boil without stirring until caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes.
–In separate pan, warm whipping cream. Add butter and whipping cream to sugar mixture and cook until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Cool, and then add whiskey and more cream for desired consistency.

Makes 6 servings (each with 1/4 cup sauce).


Julie Hewett Los Angeles - Tish and Simone

March 4th, 2010 in beauty & fashion, reviews by Stephanie Andrews

photos: we heart this

The perfect nude lip – from Julie Hewett.

For truly red carpet worthy lips, look no further than Julie Hewett. You couldn’t possibly be in better hands! Not only has she worked on some of the biggest stars and sets in Hollywood, she’s one of only 150 members of the exclusive Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in the Hair and Makeup Category. But perhaps most exciting to me (and other lip product lovers), Julie’s philosophy is to work from the lips up. The lips guiding and anchoring the rest of the look.

We’ve previously featured her stellar line of Red lipsticks (the Noir Collection, which she developed while working on the set of Pearl Harbor). Today, we’re going to take a look at a nude lip, as seen through Julie’s talented eyes. While red might be the obvious choice for a big event, nude lips can have just as much impact.

I’m constantly on the search for the perfect nude lip. It’s the obvious choice to pair with dramatic, smoky eyes, but I also like to wear a nude lip with bright, spring eyeshadows as well. The trick is to find the shade that works perfectly with your coloring. Personally, I need just a tiny touch of color in my nude to keep me from looking too ghostly, whether it be a peach or a pink. And of course, a shimmering gloss will always help to add dimension to a nude lip (even when you do end up with a shade that looks like you applied concealer to your lips!)

(from left: Simone, Tish, Combined)

Julie Hewett’s perfect nude lip starts with Simone, from the Bijou lipstick collection, a nude with a hint of peach. The Bijou collection is Julie’s sheer lipsticks which contain the essence of orange blossom. One layer will give you just a hint of color, but further applications can be layered for more intense color. I found Simone to more on the peach side than nude, but the color is beautiful none the less.

Where as I like Simone, I love Tish. This gloss is what my nude lips have been seeking. It’s a true nude, packed (and I do mean packed) with 24k gold shimmer. Julie’s glosses, which she calls Lip Lush, have a high shine finish and contain just a tinge of ginger essence (enough to be slightly tingly and smell fabulous, but not be overpowering). Not only does this make a fabulous nude lip, the gold adds a bit of sparkling depth to any shade. So, how about it? Think you’re ready for your close up?

Don’t forget to check the comments for the we heart this review team’s thoughts and experiences with Julie Hewett’s Tish and Simone.

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Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.


MAC Give Me Liberty of London Unveiling party

March 3rd, 2010 in beauty & fashion by Stephanie Andrews

photos: we heart this

Living two hours from Los Angeles, I’ve given in to the fact that if I want to attend the best parties, there’s going to be a major drive involved. Imagine my surprise when finding out (and being invited to) one of only 12 US MAC Give Me Liberty of London parties was happening in my neck of the woods; Rancho Mirage, CA (just outside of Palm Springs). How exciting, a full eight days before the line’s March 11th release!

Not surprising, MAC did not disappoint; pulling out all the stops and fabulous touches that make their events so amazing. A stunning model lounging on a Liberty Fabric covered high back chair, reciting a Simon Doonan Ode to Liberty Sonnet all night long (which guests took home in a scroll). A scruffy and handsome rocker strolling the store playing his guitar (because what better accessory to a beautiful model than a musician?) And of course, Tanqueray cocktails and all sort of delicious British nibbly bits; chips and vinegar (that’s fries to you, limey) tea sandwiches and scones.

(Check out the arms serving those chips! MAC knows what girls like.)

If you follow the beauty blogs, by now you have heard some of the (much deserved) buzz surrounding MAC’s latest collection, Give Me Liberty of London. This glorious union between two well-loved and covet-worthy brands is a match made in heaven. As Anglophiles of the highest order, we’ve had our eye on Liberty of London for years. But if you’re less obsessed with all things British, here’s a primer on the classic London brand that is still the fashion way forward.

Liberty of London, a lush accessories brand, launched in 2005 and draws its inspiration from the remarkable heritage of Liberty & Co, the famous British Department Store. Founded in 1875, selling fabric and art, Liberty & Co practically invented the home furnishing store, and it’s creator, Arthur Liberty, was not only an astute businessman but was also instrumental in the development of the Art Nouveau movement. From humble beginnings, Liberty & Co became one of the most fashionable places to shop and be seen in all of London.

Over 100 years later, Liberty of London is drawing on some of that amazing history and turning out accessories with bold colors, dramatic designs and modern flair. Working with MAC for this signature collection, Liberty & Co based its signature style on a fabric print originally sold in 1883 entitled Strawberry Thief. The print was revamped with bold, updated colors and a new modernized design. The collection found its muse in the classically cool London look – that urban bohemian chic style London lasses so easily emulate. The look is Screamingly British, from the almost Victorian tapestry look of the graphics, with bits of Twiggy thrown in (we love the white, pop-art feeling of the white packaging) and the polished edge of modern day ingénues like Kate and Agnes.

I felt like a bit of a ingénue myself tonight! Floating around the party, chatting with the cheerful and helpful MA’s. The best tip I heard about applying this dreamy collection was from Angelia, the store’s fabulous manager. She showed me how to blend the blush not only across your cheeks, but up your temples, blurring and softening the line between eye and cheek color. It creates a beautiful, ethereal look, much like the collection itself! Be sure to check out our swatches of the line and big thanks to MAC for a swinging do.


MAC Give Me Liberty of London swatches

March 2nd, 2010 in beauty & fashion by Stephanie Andrews

photos: we heart this

In addition to our coverage of the Give Me Liberty of London unveiling party we attended, we’ve got a collection of photos and swatches for you! Be prepared, this collection is going to put a hurting on your wallet…


Lipstick from left:
Ever Hip – Creamy light coral (Cremesheen)
Peachstock – Neutral peach (Satin, PRO)
Blooming Lovely – Creamy greyed lilac mauve (Amplified)
Petals & Peacocks – Creamy bright magenta pink (Amplified)

Standouts: Can I say all of them? I just did. Peachstock apparently causes quite the commotion (it is not LE, but is PRO only). I feel I should get it while I have the chance. If pressed, I’d have to say Petals & Peacocks (which reminds me of slightly more subtle version of Hollywood Nights from Heatherette) and Ever Hip (which is a bit more sheer than I usually prefer, but is just so light, fresh and summery) are my favorites.

(from left: Peachstock, Petals & Peacocks, Ever Hip, Blooming Lovely)


Eyeshadow from left:
Birds & Berries – Frosted dark green blue (Veluxe Pearl)
Dame’s Desire – Frosty mid-tone reddish purple (Frost)
Bough Grey – Mid-tone bluish grey (Satin)
Free to Be – Creamy true coral (Matte)
Missing from the photo: Give Me Liberty of London – Flat creamy pink (Matte)
This disappeared on the lily-white underside of my arm. I’m hoping it works better on lids!

Standouts: I fall for a beautiful teal every time. Birds & Berries looks like the deep sea, shimmering when the light captures it. And though I own at least 20 grey shadows, Bough Grey seems to somehow be a more perfect grey than every one I already own (my swatch is light, this can be much richer).

(from left: Dame’s Desire, Give Me Liberty of London, Free to Be)

(from left: Birds & Berries, Bough Grey)


Lipglass from left:
Frankly Fresh – Neutral pink beige with soft pearl
A Different Groove – Deep purple brown with pearl
Perennial High Style – Creamy bright pink coral
English Accents – Creamy mid-tone blue pink

Sorry, no swatches on these. But check them out at Temptalia, who always does such an incredible job.

Standouts: I truly need all four. And you may too…


Nail Lacquers from left:
Vestral White – Creamy white (Cream)
Blue India – Dark green blue with pearl (Cream)

Standout: Blue India may just be the first MAC polish I ever buy (yes, the first!) It looks very hip, yet very pretty (which is something not all fashion forward shades pull off).


Blush from left:
Dirty Plum – Sheer dark plum
Prim & Proper – Neutral nude

Dirty Plum is seems really dark to me. I think this would be better suited for a darker skin tone (or someone with a very light hand). Prim & Proper is pretty, but unless you’re a real blush fanatic, (and I saw plenty of those freaking out over this at the party tonight) I’d skip these and head straight to the Beauty Powders.

(from left: Summer Rose, Shell Pearl)

Beauty Powder
Shell Pearl – Pale peach with gold pearl
Summer Rose – Soft violet pink with pearl

Sorry again, no swatches. But head over to Temptalia to see just how amazing they both are. These are apparently both repromotes, but I have neither and desperately need them both! Especially Shell Pearl, which is everything Orgasm is not (meaning, it’s not garishly frosty). You will flip at how smooth these powders feel. They are so finely milled, they honestly feel silk. I feel darker gals may want to skip these, as they are pretty light (kind of a blush/highlighter hybrid).

The collection also has…

Liberty of London Makeup Bags; laminated makeup bags decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the collection. Zip closures boasts a oversized floral pull.
Small: Measures 8″ x 2.75″ x 3.5″
Medium: Measures 8″ x 2.75″ x 5″

Liberty of London Scarf
A limited-edition scarf designed with an exclusively created floral pattern for the collection. The fabric is a soft wool/viscose blend and is made in Italy. This is pricey at $95, but a real beaute.

I hope you have as much shopping this collection as I did!


The Oscar Fashion Hall of Fame and Shame

March 2nd, 2010 in beauty & fashion by Stephanie Andrews

All this week, with the 82nd annual Academy Awards upon us, we’re proud to bring you some Oscar-cetric posts from our Hollywood headquarters.We’re starting with our favorite part of The Oscars, the fashion, of course! So, allow us to take a walk down memory lane and share with you the looks stole our hearts, and those that made us (and everyone) say “what was she thinking?”

Our worst and best dressed Oscar picks of all time.

The Five Worst Oscar looks:
Ok, we’re skipping anything that is blaringly obvious; anything that’s super gimmicky, anything that anyone who was up for a costume designer award wore, Cher at any Oscar ceremony ever. We went for the looks that seemed like they really thought they were making a good choice (poor gals). You’ll also notice we’ve skipped Bjork’s swan dress that makes every worst dressed list. Yes, it was awful. But it’s Bjork, she’s wacky. Quite frankly I would have been disappointed had she not worn a swan dress!

1. Tyra Banks in Vera Wang, 2000
I feel bad including Tyra on this list because clearly she is recycling one of her old bridesmaid dresses. At least she’s being green! And thankfully, she had the sense to leave her hat and parasol at home. (photo: Kevin Mazur Wireimage)

2. Angelina Joile in Versace, 2000
She may be a do-gooder these days, but this is pre-Brad; classic, crazy Angelina. Brother-kissing, vial of blood wearing Angelina, doing her best mistress of the night impression. This gothly look was very much like old-school Angie herself; just plain scary. (photo: Getty Images)

3. Cameron Diaz in Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture, 2002
Where does she think she’s going to, a beach party? This printed dress is way too casual, I don’t care if they tacked on “Haute Couture”. Plus, it’s got a vibe of wacky Aunt, doesn’t it? I like the Bohemian look as well as the next girl, but not for The Oscars. (photo S. Granitz)

4. Tilda Swinton in Lavin, 2008
I think Tilda is a really striking, but unusual looking woman. But I think she’s better suited playing up the striking side a bit more than the unusual one. Get-ups like this certainly don’t help. And seriously, where is your makeup? I wanted to climb through the screen and put some lip gloss on her. Hell, at least some mascara! (photo: Getty Images)

5. Uma Thurman in Christian LaCroix, 2004
Even if it is LaCroix (sweetie darling) this heavy and frumpy looking gown makes her look like a polish grandmother. And really, if you have a body like Uma, why hide it under layers of rumpled fabric? (photo: Getty Images)

The Five Best Oscar looks:

1. Natalie Portman in Rodarte , 2009
I’m not a huge fan of the color pink, but there is no denying how beautiful, ethereal and feminine this dress is. The Grecian-inspired, orchid pink gown, with a rainbow of beadwork tastefully sprinkled across the bodice is just beyond gorgeous. The up-do and simple jewels let the dress really sing. (left photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images, right photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

2. Charlize Theron in Vera Wang, 2000
Charlize Theron is just a vision of perfection in this gown (though maybe a bit…cold!) Fitted to show off her amazing figure, the coral shade compliments her bronzed skin perfectly. Add the beautiful 40’s pin curls and the the addition of Fred Leighton diamond clips at the dress straps, and you have one gorgeous Oscar look. (photo: Getty Images)

3. Reese Witherspoon in Nina Ricci by Olivier Theyskens, 2007
This was Reese’s coming out party. I don’t think there was one person who didn’t think “good for you” when seeing the newly single mother looking so stunning. The deep eggplant, ombre tiered gown compliments but doesn’t overpower her petite frame. Plus, the beautiful hair and breath-taking jewels; I don’t think she’s ever looked better. (photo S. Granitz)

4. Michelle Williams in Vera Wang, 2006
What a unexpected, beautiful dress. This saffron-hued gown with a pleated chiffon collar has a real art deco look to it. I love the complimenting deep red lip too. Of course, the fact that Michelle wore in while accompanying Heath Ledger for his Brokeback Mountain nomination makes it all the more special. (photo: Getty Images)

5. Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani Privé, 2007
Personally, I don’t think Cate has ever looked bad, especially at The Oscars. She’s one of the few actresses who always gets the red carpet right. This year she was the epitome of glamour in a one-shoulder, embellished Swarovski crystal mesh silver dress. (Photo: Wireimage)

Did we miss something you either loved or hated? Let us know what Oscar looks made an impression with you, either good or bad!


we heart weekly - 2.27.10

February 26th, 2010 in we heart weekly by Stephanie Andrews

Can you tell what I have on my mind this week by choosing this gorgeous Richard Avedon image as the Photo of the Week? (Dovima with Sacha, Cloche and Suit by Balenciaga, Café des Deux Magots, Paris, August, 1955) Yep…it’s fashion. But not just fashion, affordable fashion. Which I’m sure this Balenciaga suit was not. But the image is too good not to share.

• How much do we love Target? Continuing with it’s tradition of bringing high fashion to the masses, there are two upcoming collections that I’m very excited for. The Looks for Less has a great sneak peek at the Jean Paul Gaultier March 7th debut (yes, freakin’ Gaultier!) And if you can stand to hold on for a bit longer, check out the Fashionista post about the Zak Posen line (due April 25th). We heart Target!

Speaking of love and fashion, Payless Shoe Source is no slouch in the designer department either! Sure, they’ll make your feet sweat and probably won’t last longer than a season. But that’s kind of perfect (not the foot sweat part, the one season part). 3 lines worth checking out:
Christian Siriano has released his second line. Guess what it is? Fiercccce.
Lela Rose has an adorable line of 50’s inspired shoes and purses.
Alice + Olivia is my favorite; really edgy styles that are perfect to try in a low cost version first.

• My easiest way to get designer lines into my paws? With makeup, of course! I am salivating over the MAC Give Me Liberty of London collection. (and actually skipped a visit to the store yesterday as I’m saving for it’s March 11th release). Temptalia has good sneak peek of it.

• Finally, be sure to check out Makeup and Beauty Blog showcasing the new Chanel Rouge Coco lipsticks in her cute, and always fashionable way.

Deal of the Week:

The medal worthy beauty wonders at Benefit are offering a great FREEBIE this weekend only. Get a free Rush Hour with a $40 purchase at benefitcosmetics.com. This multi-tasking, mess free, twist-up, 2-in-1 stick adds light, creamy “sunberry” color to both cheeks and lips. (Don’t forget to add it to your shopping bag before checkout.) Not valid with other offers and good through 3.1.10.
Free Rush Hour – Enter OLYMPICS at checkout.


Etsy 4 for Fridays - vintage cameras

February 25th, 2010 in etsy 4 for Friday by Stephanie Andrews

One of my favorite collections is my vintage cameras. Being a photographer and a retro fanatic, it seemed like an obvious choice. Plus, they’re fairly easy to find and for the most part, relatively inexpensive. Many of mine still work, but sadly, the film is no longer made for most of them (though there are sites that will hand cut film rolls for you). But I don’t collect them to use. I collect them to group on a shelf and look fabulous!

My camera collection/obsession has reached new heights thanks to Etsy. Not only can I buy the cameras themselves, but all sort of odes to them in the form of art, stationery, jewelery, clothing…

• How great are these vintage metal film canisters? (Kids, cameras used to take f-i-l-m. Look it up.) One of the best parts of using film was getting those handy little containers that you could keep your…umm, spices in! Of course, these metal versions are before even my time, that’s truly old. $20 for four

• Maybe your man is the photo fan? He’d flip over these camera cuff links. Maybe you could get him to dress up more too! A gal can dream… $16.50

• I’m really wanting this 35mm camera T-shirt Very Warhol-esque, no? Spring is almost here, time for a new favorite T-shirt! $26

• How adorable (and amazingly detailed) are these Vintage Camera Drawings? The 8″ x 11″ print will arrive numbered and signed by the artist (it’s a limited edition of 50). I would put this in a extra large matted frame and hang it right next to my collection! $26


Sparse lashes and brows? code.ai wants to help.

February 25th, 2010 in beauty & fashion by Stephanie Andrews

Facial hair is a funny thing. As you get older, it’s grows in places you don’t want it to, and gets sparse in places where you do want it. Downright hilarious, isn’t it? Luckily, there’s a new line on the market aimed to help you in the sparse department – code.ai.

This brand has dedicated itself to hair regrowth and amplification with 3 very specific products that they call an activation system for lashes and brows. They are:

code.ai Lash Extend Serum L-117 ($115) The star of the group, this contains the highest percentage of active ingredients (something they call Myriplex Technology, unique lipo-peptides said to boost cell’s natural productivity) and promises to make lashes darker, stronger, thicker, and more plentiful.

Lash Extend Primer L-122 ($40) This really interested me. Lash-colored fibers that hug to and extend your lashes. (Who ever thought white was a good shade for primers?)

code.ai Brow Boosting Shaper B-216 ($75) This boosts the appearance of brows (ending the need for pencils) AND acts as a setting product to hold them in place (ending the need for gels).

Do they work? Sadly, I can’t tell you. My samples were too small to notice any results (and I didn’t get to try the primer). I will say that I noticed no stinging, something I can’t say for any other lash product I’ve ever tried. But they do have some very impressive results on their before and after page. Some users report improvement in as little as two weeks. Typically it will take about 3-4 weeks to see results, less than half the 8 weeks it takes Latisse and without a prescription.

If you are amongst the lash and brows challenged, your fight just may be over!

Disclosure: This review includes samples that were provided by a PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.


Yves Saint Laurent Lip Twins - Packaging porn

February 24th, 2010 in beauty & fashion, packaging porn by Stephanie Andrews

(photos: we heart this)

You might just want to check to see who is in the room while you are reading this post. Because this edition of packaging porn is not for the faint-hearted. Alone? Good. Time to get sexy! It doesn’t get much better than this…

Behold, Yves Saint Laurent Lip Twins. What are they, besides gorgeous? It’s a lip duo housed in a lipstick-like container, but with a few important twists (twists being the key word).

See that logo medallion at the top? Here’s where the magic happens. Twist it and the mirror flips to reveal a pan of creamy, satin lipstick. One more twist reveals a sheer lipstick that compliments the satin. One more flip, and your back at the mirror.

But, how are you to apply these beautiful shades? You don’t think YSL would leave your glamorous self hanging, do you? Pull the medallion and out pops a lip brush.

The Lip Twins were pretty hard to find up until a few months ago, when our heros at BeautyTicket.com brought them back for only $17 a pop (about half of the original $32 price tag). Only 8 of the 12 shades remain, and they are going fast. My choice, #12 Raspberry Violet, is already gone. So I won’t bother talking about how divine the blue-based bright pink satin and the glimmering baby pink sheer are. But I will say, if you’re considering them, consider quickly.

This may just be the most couture looking lip product I’ve ever seen.
Click here to add some inexpensive elegance to your life.


Cooking 101 - Marinara Sauce

February 21st, 2010 in eat, drink, be merry, green monday, how to, recipes by Stephanie Andrews

photo: we heart this

A Green Monday recipe that’s essential for vegetarian cooks

If you enjoy cooking, there’s no bigger joy that pulling off a difficult meal. But sometimes, so much time is spent mastering the show boat recipes that you over look the essentials. It’s with that thought that we bring you Cooking 101. Whether you just need to get back to basics, or you are truly a beginner, with these recipes as your foundations, you can really make some unforgettable meals.

I never knew how to make a homemade Marinara sauce (my Italian Grandfather is somewhere clicking his tongue at me right now). So, when on a recent visit to my house, Pam volunteered to share her recipe with me, I jumped at the chance. Seeing how truly easy it is to make, and thinking about how many jars of sauce I’ve bought in my lifetime, I’m embarrassed!

Marinara is a vegetarian sauce that gets it’s name from the word marinaro, Italian for sailor (or specifically, seafaring), as it was a quick and easy, yet hearty sauce made for sailors when they came home from sea. It’s inexpensive, delicious and your first step in mastering Italian cooking. Once you get the hang of it, you can add just about anything; wine, mushrooms, crushed red pepper for a spicier sauce. The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients: (makes about 2.5 quarts)

  • 3 28 oz cans whole tomatoes (here’s a case where more expensive is truly better)
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot, finely chopped
  • 1/3rd cup vegetable oil and olive oil blend*
  • 1 tsp chopped garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh or 1/2 tbsp dried of each: oregano, parsley, basil


Preparation:

-In a large pot, over medium heat; saute the carrot and celery (seasoned with the salt and pepper) in the oil blend until tender, about 7 minutes.

-Add onion to the carrot and celery mixture, cover and cook 10 minutes (stirring frequently to avoid burning), until the onion has caramelized**.

-Move vegetables to the side, allowing the oil to fill the center of your pot. Add garlic to the oil, cook for 1 minute, then mix vegetables in and cook for 2 additional minutes.

-Add tomato paste, stirring to coat the vegetables. Cook for 20 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.

-While the vegetables and paste are cooking, blend the whole tomatoes in a Cuisinart, emulsion or standard blender, to the desired consistency. If you are using fresh herbs, these can be blended with the tomatoes.

-Add blended tomatoes to pot. If you are using dried herbs, they should be added now (rub them in your palms to release the oils).

-Season the sauce with more salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, adding a bit of water if the sauce gets too thick.

The sauce can be made 1 day ahead, and I encourage you to do so! It really does taste better after giving the flavors a day to marinate. Just be sure to allow to cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat over medium heat before using.

Extra credit:
*Why a blend of two oils? Olive oil cooks hot, so a blend (which you do yourself, don’t try to find this in a store!) will make sure you don’t scorch the oil.

**Just what the heck is caramelization? It’s cooking, until the sugars in a vegetable are released, resulting in browning.


      Basic

      Full Name

      Stephanie Andrews

      My Birthday

      January 2, 1971

      Gender

      Female

      My Hometown

      Yucca Valley

      Me in a nutshell

      I am: co-editor of we heart this, a Philly girl living in the California desert, a photographer turned graphic designer, married to a brilliant British guitarist, Mom to 2 Boston Terriers, 1 Pit Bull, 1 German short hair pointer. And I throw a HELL of a party!

      I Heart

      MAKEUP, Simon Le Bon, vintage glass advertising ashtrays, my bug vacuum, my family and friends, high heels and purses, Stephen Colbert, BPAL oils, The Young and the Restless, fonts, sushi, 30 Rock, Amy & David Sedaris, Belgium beer, old school rap, turquoise, state fairs, getting my hair did, Mad Men, Skater boys circa 1986, thrifting, tiny paintings, dogs playing poker, Brian Williams, Rockabilly girl style, Six Feet Under, going somewhere I have never been, a good sale and most of all-Derwood.

      My Social Media

      Follow Me on Twitter:

      http://www.twitter.com/weheartthis

      Tell Us More

      My Website

      http://weheartthis.com/

      eat, drink, be merry:
      Tell us your go to meal

      I am the egg, salad and sandwich queen! Fast meal: soft shell tacos with homemade guacamole, roast chicken and couscous. Fancy meal: linguine w/ butternut squash, bacon & goat cheese or beef stew in the crockpot.

      beauty & fashion:
      I can skip these

      foundation, primers, necklaces, turtlenecks

      I NEVER go without these

      huge purses, great heels, havaianas, hoodies, my Clarisonic and a slew of Beauty products- lip gloss in all forms (including Stila Brown Sugar and Smashbox Beauty), eye cream, Alexandra de Markoff Disguise for Eyes, MAC Teddy eyeliner, Blot Powder and Strawberry Blonde lipstick, Kiehl’s Calendula toner, and ANYTHING Limited Edition!

      Biggest splurge or steal in my closet

      Splurge: Black satin quilted DKNY trench coat, Bond No 9 Chinatown and L’Artisan Parfumeur Passage d’Enfer perfume.
      Steal: countless vintage cashmere sweaters I find at thrift stores and a 50’s diamond starburst cocktail ring my Hubby got on Ebay, BPAL oils ($15-$17 a pop!)

      do-gooder:
      Why I am one

      I think beyond myself. I stop for strays and always help an animal in need. I buy organic milk. I bring my own bags to the market. I always treat people like I’d like to be treated myself.

      read, watch, listen:
      Favorite books

      Naked by David Sedaris, A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, The Americans by Robert Frank, The Dirt by Motley Crue

      Favorite bands

      How about my top 5 played songs on ITunes instead?
      1. Don’t you evah, Spoon
      2. Mercury,
      Bloc Party
      3. Trashcan,
      Delta Spirit
      4. Jet,
      Wings
      5. Turning on the Screw,
      Queens of the Stoneage

      Favorite TV shows

      30 Rock, Mad Men, Intervention, Top Chef, Project Runway, The Young and the Restless, Six Feet Under

      Favorite movies

      One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Good Fellas, Grey Gardens, Amelie, Lock Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Shaun of the Dead and I could watch Elf every time it’s on TV.

      home & living:
      My favorite room in my house

      My entire guest house, because I designed it from top to bottom.

      pets & kids:
      I choose

      Pets

      potluck:
      Five people (dead or alive) I’d invite to a party

      Stephen Colbert, Simon Le Bon, My Grandmom, Amy Sedaris, Oprah (but she would have to bring us all cars)

      If I were an 80’s movie/tv/music star, I’d be

      The robot girl from Small Wonder.

      Stephanie Andrews's Activity

      • Stephanie Andrews and Michelle are now friends   7 minutes ago

      • Stephanie Andrews and Erin are now friends   5 hours, 54 minutes ago

      • Stephanie Andrews commented on the blog post Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap – oily skin’s best friend   9 hours, 3 minutes ago

        Oily skin’s best friend? You aren’t kidding! Finding a product that fights oil, yet doesn’t fight so hard that you’re left feeling dry, is quite the search! I highly recommend Sea Mud Soap.
        I’ve had a full size bar of this soap for well over a year now (so Alyssa, it last a very long time) [...]

      • Stephanie Andrews commented on the blog post The Original Bad Girls of Rock & Roll – The Runaways   1 day, 7 hours ago

        Cherie,
        I can’t tell you how honored we are that you took the time to comment on Melissa’s amazing piece. It’s really kind of you. Not to mention, you just quadrupled our coolness factor!
        I was excited for Neon Angels before, but now even more so. And thanks for letting us know we’ll be getting [...]

      • Stephanie Andrews commented on the blog post Armour Beauty – lip gloss for your wild side   1 day, 7 hours ago

        Pam, you know I could wax on about the merits of a good gloss all day long…
        No kidding Tyna, it is “Ladies of Rock” day at we heart this! Gotta love that.

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      • Thanks for the warm welcome! I heart this website. :)

      • I concur with Katie- I want to know what your guest house looks like too! Designing a complete little house sounds like mega fun!

      • Hi! I am new to the site and sent you a message. However, should I have writen on your wire?

      • Thanks for obliging my request, Stef. I’m eternally grateful, haha =))

      • Hey Stef! I saw on your fave beauty posts that you really like the Zelens advanced luminescence serum. I’m really thinking of getting it, but I’m a little hesitant. Would you provide a full ingredient list (not just the active ingredients on the website) so that I can ensure that I’m not allergic to any of the ingredients? Thanks Stef! =))))